Sushma discusses terror fight, ties with US counterpart

INDIA AND the US agreed to “cooperate closely” in the global fight against terrorism when External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to her American counterpart, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, on Wednesday.

“The External Affairs Minister andsecretarytillersonresolvedto work together closely to further expand and deepen the multifaceted strategic partnership between India and the US,’’ an External Affairs Ministry statementsaid.“theyemphasisedthat closeandstrongrelationsbetween India and the US were not only in mutual interest but also had regional and global significance.’’

The statement added that they agreed to intensify cooperation in various sectors, including defence and security, energy, and economy. “They also agreed to follow-up the firm resolve expressed by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and President (Donald) Trump to cooperate closely in the global fight against terrorism.” Tillerson has earlier had telephone conversations with foreign ministers of Australia, Japan and South Korea.

The telephone conversation came weeks after Trump spoke to Modi. Sources had told The Indian Express that the PM conveyed India’s concerns over proposed changes to the H1B visa programme to the President. Modi had raised the issue of cross-border terrorism as a challenge confronting India’s growth and peace and security in the region. Trump hadraisedtheissueofsouthchina Sea, and America’s interest in ensuringfreedomofnavigationininternational waters claimed by the Chineseasitsown.sofar,indiahas notissuedareadoutoftheconversation,whilethewhitehouseversiondidnotmentionthesespecific issues. The White House had said that Trump emphasised that the US considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world.

Sushma Swaraj